Chief Ben Uche Odunze, an international businessman, philanthropist and renowned employer of labour, has emerged the consensus candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party ANPP for the Imo State governorship election scheduled to hold on November, 11, 2023.
Odunze, emerged at a substitution primary election of the party held at East Gate Hotel, adjacent Orji fly over at Ugwu Orji, where he was unanimously adopted by the leadership of the party from the 27 Local Government Areas in the state, amidst loud ovation.
Speaking before the primary election which was observed by staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Chairman of the Electoral Committee sent by the National headquarters of the party, Ozo Felix Chukwurah and the Secretary, Chief Ogaranya Ifemeri in their separate speeches said, they were sent to Imo State to ensure that the primary election is conducted transparently in line with the constitution of the party, devoid of rancor, acrimony and other negative vices.
They urged the delegates to freely exercise their mandate without fear or favour, adding that they are not under pressure to support any person against their wish.
Also speaking, the chairman of ANPP in Imo State, Chief Madis Duru Imo, enjoined members of the party to remain focused resolute and supportive, stressing that ANPP is determined to take over Douglas House, come November, 11, 2023.
He said, ‘’ANPP is one of the foremost political parties in Nigeria today. We came from about the 18th position to the 4th position that we occupy today, according to the results of the just concluded general election.
Chief Odunze in his acceptance speech expressed gratitude to God for giving him such wonderful opportunity to serve humanity.
He also thanked the National Leader and presidential candidate of ANPP, Alhaji Rabiu Kwakwanso, the National Working Committee NWC, State Working Committee SWC, leaders and members of the party at all levels, members of the Electoral Committee, staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and all those who contributed in making his emergence as the governorship candidate of ANPP possible.
Continuing, Odunze said, ‘’we will embark on grassroots campaign that will take us to the nooks and crannies of the state. With your support and commitment, we will be victorious and occupy Douglas House, come November, 11, 2023.
We will run an all inclusive government that will make women more visible and relevant. Infact, the position of Secretary to the State Government SSG, will be given to a woman’’.
‘’We will tackle insecurity, which will ultimately enhance socio-economic development. There will also be emphasis on job creation, youth/women empowerment, skill acquisition among other people-oriented programs and policies that will turn around the fortunes of our dear state’’.
‘’It is unfortunate that our people can no longer move about freely because of the high level of insecurity. But, all that will change under my watch as Governor of the state, God willing’’.
The high point of the event was the official handing over of the party’s flag to Chief Odunze by the State Chairman and members of the electoral committee.
